Gravity controlled lighting device

ABSTRACT

A lighting device having a housing incorporating an electrical circuit, a light source and a source of power with a gravity controller. The gravity controller regulates the power applied to the light source in response to the relationship between the position angle and the tilt angle of the lighting device with respect to the vertical. The lighting device has a storage orientation wherein the light source is non-energized and a transporting or use orientation wherein the light source is energized. A plurality of lighting devices are mounted on a storage bracket in a non-energized orientation. A plurality of lighting devices are mounted on a carrier having a changeable orientation, wherein the lighting devices are energized during transporting and non-energized during storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to a lighting device used primarily as a warningdevice or road flare. The device is normally stored in the trunk of anemergency vehicle until it is needed to alert oncoming drivers of ahazard in the road. It is commonly used by first responders such aspoliceman or fireman however it can be used by private citizens as well.In an emergency the user removes the light from his vehicle and placesit in the road to signal to approaching vehicles the fact that a hazardexists. It is common practice for several of these devices to be placedin the roadway forming a wedge to guide approaching vehicles around thehazard.

2. Prior Art

Prior art includes electric lights employed to identify road hazards.These include lights mounted on barricades, or on plastic cones. Theseelectric lights are usually positioned from two to four feet above theroadway. They are bulky and are too large to store within the limitedspace available on many emergency vehicles. In addition if struck by anoncoming vehicle they can damage the vehicle or, if projected throughthe air, strike a first responder.

Prior art also includes smaller electric lights that are placed directlyon the road. They have a low center of gravity and a base dimension toheight quotient or ratio stability exceeding 1.0. They are designed tobe run over by oncoming vehicles without sustaining damage or beingprojected by an impinging vehicle towards a first responder. These smallelectric lights often replace incendiary road flares because they avoidthe hazards created by pyrotechnic devices. They are commonly storedwithin a hard opaque plastic case or fabric pouch in groups of four toeight. When needed they are removed from the case, switched “ON” andplaced on the roadway. The fabric pouches usually include a shoulderstrap permitting the first responder to sling it over his shoulder andcarry the group of flares while placing them in a wedge formation asubstantial distance before the obstruction.

Prior art also includes designs having a magnet glued into a cavity intheir base permitting the flare to be attached to the top of a disabledvehicle.

Prior art also includes trunk lights permanently attached to the vehicleand activated by a switch as the trunk is opened. These are permanentlyattached to the vehicle.

Prior art further includes marine distress lights with a gravity switchthat activates them when they are upright floating in water. Theselights are usually unstable on land.

Prior art includes devices having a stability ratio exceeding 1.0 and acenter of gravity less than two inches from a horizontal road. Howeverthe prior art does not add the gravity power controller to these designfeatures.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

The objects and advantages of the present invention are to improve uponthe safety of the prior art lighting devices including electric roadflares.

Unlike prior art which functions solely as a road flare the lightingdevice of the present invention additionally automatically protects thefirst responder and his vehicle. The process of deploying and retrievingroad flares is dangerous. The procedure includes locating the flareswithin the vehicle, opening the fabric pouch and slinging it over theresponders shoulder. Next while walking towards traffic the firstresponder must turn “ON” and deploy the first flare. This is repeatedfor each of the flares in the pouch. This procedure is reversed whenretrieving the flares. This procedure becomes difficult and timeconsuming if the first responder has large gloves or if the weather iscold or wet.

During this procedure the first responder is vulnerable as he is on footand he is unlighted. Often there are emergency vehicles on the scene.However the powerful emergency vehicle lights can become a hazardbecause they frequently blind advancing drivers making it difficult foroncoming drivers to see the first responder in the roadway deployingflares. Therefore minimizing the time spent by first responders settingup flares will reduce accidents. Illuminating first responders as theydeploy flares will reduce accidents. Finally providing illumination atthe vehicle as the first responder opens his trunk looking for hisflares will reduce accidents.

The present invention protects the first responder by reducing the timerequired to locate, deploy and retrieve the flares. In addition itprovides illumination for the first responder as he removes the flaresfrom storage, transports, deploys and retrieves them.

The present invention uses a gravity switch or a gravity powercontroller in combination with a storage orientation system toautomatically extinguish the flares as they are put into storage. Thestorage orientation system can be either a powerful magnet, a storagecase or a carrying case with each of the options storing the light so itis automatically extinguished.

The present invention also includes a transportation system for holdingthe lights in a position which “closes” the gravity switch and thereforeenergizes the light source making the light a powerful warning deviceprotecting the first responder as he deploys and retrieves the lights.The transportation system can be a lanyard passing through an adapter onthe lighting device or a carrying case.

The gravity switch automatically turns the lighting device or flare ofthe present invention “ON” throughout the deployment and keeps it “ON”until it is returned to storage at which time it automatically turns it“OFF”. The referred prior art does not teach or address the followingconcepts which are employed in the current invention.

Employing a gravity power controller in the circuit of the lightingdevice to:

-   -   have the lighting device automatically turn “ON” as it is        removed from storage thereby avoiding time delays that result        from locating and activating a switch    -   have the lighting device illuminating and protecting the first        responder as he transports and deploys it    -   have the lighting device illuminating and protecting the first        responder as he retrieves it    -   have the lighting device automatically and instantly turn “OFF”        as it is placed in storage avoiding the time delays that result        from locating a switch

The present invention is operational even if a first responder has largegloves which would make a manual switch difficult to activate even afterit is located.

The present invention also serves to protect vehicles that do not havetheir own emergency lights as it can be configured to illuminatewhenever the trunk is open. In addition the fact that the optics of thelighting device can optionally concentrate the emerging light about thehorizontal makes it possible to customize the trunk mount configurationto meet a variety of user needs. For example, the lighting device can bemounted such that the concentrated light beam emerges horizontally fromthe open trunk. This is appropriate for some highway patrol cars whichneed powerful trunk lights. Other users may not wish to have a powerfullight but still desire some light. This is achieved by having thelighting device activate and emit light but not be horizontal with thetrunk open. Finally, some users may wish for the light to remain “OFF”until it is removed from the trunk. This is also possible with theproper gravity power controller configuration.

-   -   The present invention can also function as an emergency beacon        to signal distress such as during a holdup. In this use the        lighting device will automatically illuminate when turned from        upside down to upright eliminating the need to find and activate        a switch saving time which can be critical in a time of stress.    -   The present invention can also function without an external        switch. An external switch adds to the cost of the lighting        device and reduces its reliability    -   The present invention incorporates a gravity power controller        switch in combination with a low center of gravity and a nominal        large base dimension to height quotient or stability ratio        exceeding 1.0. The gravity switch would be problematic if        employed in a lighting device which was not highly stable. An        unstable lighting device could easily be blown over by the wind        or passing vehicles causing it to turn “OFF”.    -   The present invention includes a light transmitting carrying        case having openings or slots which transmit light from a        plurality of lighting devices towards advancing vehicles.    -   The present invention employs a rotational movement of the        carrying case to automatically activate a plurality of lighting        devices contained therein.    -   The present invention includes a storage bracket which holds the        lighting devices in an “OFF” orientation while they are not in        use. The storage bracket permits easy removal of the lighting        devices when they are needed.    -   The present invention includes a disable switch for disabling        the gravity power controller making the lighting device easily        adaptable for both gravity controlled and non-gravity controlled        tasks.    -   The present invention includes a main switch capable of        overriding the gravity power controller making the lighting        device more versatile and capable of more tasks.

Further objects and advantages are realized through combinations of theabove distinct advantages.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention a portable lighting devicecomprising a gravity power controller regulates the energy applied to alight source by a source of electric power to establish its intensity.The gravity power controller responds to a change in the angularorientation of the lighting device relative to a vertical such asvertical line or vertical plane by increasing or reducing the energysupplied to the light source. The configuration of the gravity switch isselected to interact with the storage, transporting and use orientationsof the lighting device to assure that the lighting device isilluminating at beneficial times. When employed as a road flare thestorage orientation and gravity power controller configuration interactto keep the lighting device “OFF”. The transportation and deploymentorientations interact with the gravity power controller to keep thelighting device “ON”. This invention requires the design parametersrelating to use, storage, transportation and gravity to cooperate tocreate the needed illumination appropriate for that task. In the casewhere the lighting device is employed as a road flare the presentinvention minimizes the flare deployment and retrieval time, provides awarning light for the emergency vehicle and illuminates the firstresponder while he carries the lighting device. A light transmittingcarrying case holds a plurality of the lighting devices and activatesthem simultaneously as it is rotated upright. It then transmits thelight they emit to warn oncoming drivers that a first responder is inthe roadway.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparentfrom a reading of the following specification, taken in conjunction withthe enclosed drawings.

DRAWINGS Figures

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lighting device

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the lighting device

FIG. 3 is a top view of a typical road hazard scene

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-section across line 4-4 of FIG. 1

FIG. 5 is a view of a circuit removed from FIG. 4

FIG. 6 is a schematic of the electric circuit

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic front view of the lighting device standing onhorizontal road

FIG. 8 is a front view of the lighting device at a first angularposition

FIG. 9 is a front view of the lighting device at a second angularposition

FIG. 10 is a front view of the lighting device at a third angularposition

FIG. 11 is a front view of the lighting device being held by a lanyard

FIG. 12 shows the lighting device attached with a magnet to the trunk ofa vehicle

FIG. 13 is similar to FIG. 12 except a metal bracket has been added tothe trunk

FIG. 14 shows four lighting devices removably assembled into a carrier25 for transporting

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view taken across line 15-15 ofFIG. 14

FIG. 16 is a partial cross sectional view taken across line 16-16 ofFIG. 14

FIG. 17 shows the carrier of FIG. 14 upside down resting on top of ashelf for storage

FIG. 18 shows a storage bracket 36 holding four lights attached to theunderside of a shelf for storage

FIG. 19 is a schematic of an alternate electric circuit which can beused in place of that shown FIG. 6

FIG. 20 is a schematic of a second alternate electric circuit which canbe used in place of that shown in FIG. 6

FIG. 21 is an assembly view of the carrier of FIG. 14

FIG. 22 is a view of carrier bottom 27 removed from FIG. 21

DRAWINGS - Reference Letters DRAWINGS - Reference Numerals AT Tilt Angle1 2 housing C1 Obstructing Car 3 cover 4 base C2 Approaching Car 5window 6 main switch CG Center of Gravity 7 adapter 8 magnet D1 DistanceOne 9 circuit 10 thread D2 Base Dimension 11 circuit board 12 gravitypower controller D3 Height 13 longitudinal axis 14 power supply DEExtended Distance 15 positive contact 16 negative contact H1 Horizontal17 disable switch 18 light source HB Horizontal Light Beam 19 optic 20loop HR Horizontal Road 21 22 lanyard HS Horizontal Shelf 23 holdinglocation 24 bracket L1 Lighting Device 1 25 carrier 26 carrier top L2Lighting Device 2 27 carrier bottom 28 handle L3 Lighting Device 3 29wings 30 tracks L4 Lighting Device 4 31 recess 32 catch MA MovementArrow 33 flex location 34 top cut-out OI Orientation Indicator 35 bottomcut-out 36 storage bracket P1 Position One Angle 37 flasher module 38storage bracket bottom P2 Position Two Angle 39 surface 40 selfthreading screws P3 Position Three Angle 50 lighting device P4 PositionFour Angle P5 Position Five Angle P6 Position Six Angle P7 PositionSeven Angle P8 Position Eight Angle R Stability Ratio R1 Light Ray 1 R2Light Ray 2 R3 Light Ray 3 R4 Light Ray 4 R5 Light Ray 5 R6 Light Ray 6R7 Light Ray 7 R8 Light Ray 8 S1 Slot One S2 Slot Two S3 Slot Three S4Slot Four T Trunk TC Trunk Closed Position TO Trunk Open Position VVertical V1 Vertical One V2 Vertical Two

OPERATIONAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1-20

Lighting device 50 of FIGS. 1 through 20 is the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Looking at FIGS. 1 through 20 lighting device 50is cylindrical shaped low profile portable lighting device comprisinghousing 2. Housing 2 includes cover 3 and base 4 which permits lightingdevice 50 to remain stable and upright when placed on a flat surfacesuch as a horizontal road. Base 4 is usually constructed of a toughplastic and optionally includes powerful magnet 8 glued into a moldedcavity. Magnet 8 is employed so that lighting device 50 can be attachedto metallic surfaces. Housing 2 further includes adapter 7 usuallymolded as part of base 4 which serves to secure a lanyard other devicefor holding and transporting lighting device 50. Cover 3 usuallyconstructed of a transparent plastic includes window 5 to be laterdescribed for transmitting light. Cover 3 also permits access to mainswitch 6.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a typical use for lighting device 50 on ahorizontal road HR where obstructing car C1 is inoperable and lightingdevices L1, L2, L3 and L4 similar to lighting device 50 are placed in awedge formation to direct approaching car C2 safely around. Lightingdevice 50 is constructed with a wide base, low profile and low center ofgravity so that it can withstand accidental run over by approachingvehicles without damage and without being knocked down from its standingposition.

FIG. 4 is partial cross-section taken across line 4-4 ¹ of FIG. 1. InFIG. 4 cover 3 is removably threaded onto base 4 at thread 10. Circuit 9is affixed, using adhesive or fasteners, to the underside of cover 3with main switch 6 protruding through cover 3 making it accessible fromthe exterior of lighting device 50.

FIG. 5 is circuit 9 removed from FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic ofcircuit 9. Circuit 9 includes circuit board 11, connecting light source18, main switch 17, power supply 14, positive contact 15 and negativecontact 16, as shown in the FIG. 6 schematic. Light source 18 and powersupply 14 of circuit 9 are matched in characteristics to provide adesired intensity and operating life. This selection of circuitcharacteristics is common design practice. Gravity power controller 12is a switch that is “ON” when positioned upright as shown in FIG. 5 butwhich automatically turns “OFF” when rotated past a tilt angle AT havinga magnitude of approximately 90 degrees. The tilt angle AT can vary withalternate gravity power controller 12 designs.

The schematic of FIG. 6 applies to circuit 9 of lighting device 50. Inthe upright orientation of FIG. 4 with the schematic configuration ofFIG. 6 lighting device 50 would be “ON” because gravity power controller12 of FIG. 5 is in an upright angular position making it a “closedcircuit” conducting electricity. In this upright position lightingdevice 50 is “ON” emitting light because electricity flows from powersupply 14 through override switch 17, through gravity power controller12 and light source 18. Light source 18 is being supplied sufficientenergy to create a first intensity adequate to satisfy the needs of thetask at hand. The actual intensity of emitted light can be controlled byan appropriate selection of the characteristics of light source 18 andpower supply 14. The supply of energy to light source 18 is regulated bygravity power controller 12. If lighting device 50 is turned upsidedown—rotated 180 degrees—gravity power controller 12 will “open circuit”and reduce the energy supplied to light source 18 to zero. This willreduce the intensity of emitted light to zero and lighting device 50will be “OFF”. If it is required by specification the intensity can bereduced to a lower level but not to zero. This can be achieved byconventional design means by modifying the FIG. 6 circuit. Power supply14 can be any one of a variety of sources of electrical power includinga battery or a capacitor. Power supply 14 is a battery with longitudinalaxis 13 approximately parallel to a horizontal road HR to be laterdescribed.

The schematic of FIG. 6 shows main switch 6 in an “open circuit” or“OFF” position. As previously described lighting device 50 willilluminate even when main switch 6 is “OFF” because energy is suppliedto light source 18 through gravity power controller 12. However if mainswitch 6 is moved to a closed “ON” position then lighting device 50 willturn “ON” regardless of the angular position of gravity power controller12 or the angular orientation of lighting device 50. Main switch 6 isused whenever it is desirable to have lighting device 50 be “ON”regardless of its orientation.

The prior discussion regarding the operation of lighting device 50 hasbeen based upon FIG. 6 wherein disable switch 17 is “closed” Disableswitch 17 can also be “opened” and this will disable gravity powercontroller 12. If disable switch 17 is “open” lighting device 50 willhave its “OFF” and “ON” determined solely by the “OFF-ON” position ofmain switch 6. In this instance the angular orientation of lightingdevice 50 will have no effect on its intensity. Disable switch 17 isshown as a typical “ON-OFF” switch however, it can be a simple jumperwire or screw on circuit board 11. It is noteworthy to realize thatthere are many uses for lighting devices that are gravity controlled andother uses that should not include gravity control. Organizations do notwish to purchase a variety of lighting devices to satisfy the variety ofuses. The present invention in disclosing a gravity power controller 12,a main switch 7 and a disable switch 17 shows how one lighting devicecan satisfy a variety of needs.

Looking back at FIGS. 4 and 5 circuit 9 has optic 19 attached usingadhesive or other means to circuit board 11. Optic 19 is shown as across-section. Optic 19 is a classical cylindrical piano convex lenswhich encircles lamp 18 and concentrates its emitted light towards thehorizontal. Light emitted by light source 18 is concentrated abouthorizontal H1 by optic 19. The concentrated light then passes throughwindow 5 of cover 3. Window 5 is disclosed as a transparent portion oftransparent cover 3. For some designs the window would only represent anopening in housing 2 or other pathway for the light to emerge. Optic 19is shown as a cylindrical piano convex lens but it can be of otheroptical designs such as a catadioptic lens or a reflector any of whichcan also be acceptable depending upon the exact requirements for thelight output of lighting device 50. Optic 19 could also be configured toconcentrate the light from light source 18 towards a direction otherthan horizontal H1 depending upon the exact requirements of lightingdevice 50. Light source 18 is shown as an incandescent lamp, howeverother light sources can also be acceptable depending upon the exactperformance requirements for lighting device 50. Also optic 19 is shownas a component separate from cover 3 or window 5. However for someoptical designs it is possible to reshape window 5 to incorporate optic19. Looking at FIG. 7 light emerging from window 5 is represented ashorizontal light beam HB composed of light rays R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6,R7 and R8 which are about horizontal H1 and throughout the azimuth.

FIG. 7 also shows center of gravity CG of lighting device 50 a distanceD1 from horizontal road HR. Distance D1 should not exceed two inches iflighting device 50 is to remain stable and upright during wind surgescreated by speeding vehicles and throughout vehicle run over. Nominallarge base dimension D2 is the base diameter for the present embodimentbut for alternate designs it would be an average large dimension. Heightdimension D3 represents the height of lighting device 50. The stabilityratio R is base dimension D2 divided by height dimension D3. Thestability ratio R exceeds 1.0 in order to further improve the stabilityof lighting device 50.

FIGS. 8 through 10 disclose the gravity controlled functioning oflighting device as it is rotated counter-clockwise away from vertical V.Looking at FIG. 8 lighting device 50 is standing on horizontal road HR.Lighting device 50 has orientation indicator OI—which in FIG. 8—iscoincident with vertical V. The position angle is the angle betweenvertical V and orientation indicator OI. For FIG. 8 position one angleP1 is zero. Tilt angle AT is controlled by the design and position ofgravity power controller 12 with lighting device 50. Gravity powercontroller 12 for lighting device 50 is a standard rolling ball gravityswitch having a tilt angle AT of about ninety degrees. Also for lightingdevice 50, tilt angle AT is constant about the azimuth.

There are alternate types of gravity power controllers capable ofproviding a range of tilt angles as well as tilt angles that change withthe azimuth. Looking again at FIG. 8 lighting device 50 will remain “ON”as long as gravity power controller 12 is conducting. Gravity powercontroller 12 will be conducting (closed circuit) as long as orientationindicator OI is positioned within tilt angle AT or equivalently positionone angle P1 is less than tilt angle AT. Since in FIG. 8 position oneangle P1 is zero degrees and tilt angle AT is 90 degrees, the schematicof FIG. 6 indicates that electricity will flow from power supply 14through closed disconnect switch 17 and closed gravity power controller12 through light source 18 to energize and thereby illuminate lightsource 18. The light emitted by light source 18 is condensed towardshorizontal H1 by optic 19 where upon it passes through transparentwindow 5 and emerges from lighting device 50. If lighting device 50 isrotated counter-clockwise to position two angle P2 as shown in FIG. 9orientation indicator OI is exterior to tilt angle AT. This causesgravity power controller 12 to “open circuit” reducing the energy andpower supplied to light source 18 to zero and reducing the intensity oflight source 18 to zero. Lighting device 50 is now “OFF”. If lightingdevice 50 is rotated counter-clockwise again as shown in FIG. 10 toposition three angle P3 orientation indicator OI is again exterior totilt angle AT causing gravity power controller 12 to remain open andlighting device 50 to remain “OFF”. Lighting device 50 stored accordingto FIG. 10 will be “OFF”. Upon being removed from the storageorientation of FIG. 10 and carried according to the transportingorientation of FIG. 11 lighting device 50 will automatically turn “ON”.Lighting device 50 changes from dormant dark into a powerful warningbeacon protecting the first responder without the first responder havingto consciously activate the device. In emergency situations firstresponders can easily forget to protect themselves. The presentinvention does that for them.

FIG. 11 shows a transporting orientation for lighting device 50 in whichlighting device 50 will be emitting light. This emitted light serves toidentify the location of the person carrying lighting device 50 therebyprotecting him from being hit by an advancing vehicle. In FIG. 11lighting device 50 is suspended by lanyard 22 passing through adapter 7.Lanyard 22 is configured into a loop 20 and held at holding location 23.Lanyard 22 can be constructed from a wide variety of materials. It canhave numerous shapes and for some uses be rigidly attached to lightingdevice 50. Lighting device 50 suspended according to FIG. 11 will assumeorientation indictor OT at position four angle P4 because vertical oneV1 will pass through center of gravity CG of lighting device 50 andholding position 23. Since position four angle is less than tilt angleAT lighting device 50 will—as previously described—according to circuit9 emit light. Lanyard 22 can be constructed of plastic, leather or anynumber of materials. Also it can have a contour other than loop 20.

FIG. 12 shows lighting device 50 as it could be used on a vehicle trunkT. FIG. 12 shows lighting device 50 with trunk T in trunk open positionTO as well as in trunk closed position TC. Looking at FIG. 12 with trunkT in the trunk open position TO lighting device 50 is attached to trunkT with magnet 8 such that it is at position five angle P5 withorientation indicator IO exterior to tilt angle AT. At this orientationgravity power controller 12 is “open” and lighting device 50 is “OFF”not emitting light. This configuration is desirable for some police carswhich should remain covert when trunk T is open. Looking again at FIG.12 with trunk T now in the storage orientation or trunk closed positionTC lighting device 50 remains attached with magnet 8. However sincetrunk T has been rotated lighting device 50 is now at position six angleP6 with orientation indicator IO exterior to tilt angle AT. At thisorientation gravity power controller 12 remains “open” and lightingdevice 50 remains “OFF”. This is as needed as lighting device 50 shouldbe “OFF” when it is being stored.

FIG. 13 is similar to FIG. 12 except in FIG. 13 wedge shaped metalbracket 24 has been securely attached to trunk T to change theorientation of lighting device 50. Looking at FIG. 13 with trunk T inthe trunk open position TO lighting device 50 is attached to metalbracket 24 with magnet 8 such that it is at position seven angle P7 lessthan tilt angle AT with orientation indicator OI within tilt angle AT.At this orientation gravity power controller 12 is “closed” and lightingdevice 50 is “ON” emitting light. This configuration is desirable forhighway patrol police who may need supplementary warning lights becausetheir open trunk often blocks their roof lights. If trunk T is moved tothe trunk closed position TC lighting device 50 is positioned atposition eight angle P8 with orientation indicator exterior to tiltangle AT. At this orientation gravity power controller 12 is “open” andlighting device 50 is in the desirable “OFF” condition as the trunkclosed position TC is a storage position. Lanyard 22 as shown in FIGS.12 and 13 permits easy removal and lighted transporting of lightingdevice 50 from the trunk T.

FIG. 14 shows carrier 25 transporting four lighting devices L1, L2, L3and L4 each similar to lighting device 50 of FIG. 1. Carrier 25 can bedesigned to hold a quantity of lighting devices different than the fourlighting devices shown. In FIG. 14 lighting device L1 is removed fromcarrier 25 but can be installed by pushing it horizontally into slot oneS1. Lighting devices L2, L3 and L4 have slot two S2, slot three S3 andslot four S4 respectively. Carrier 25 transports lighting devices L1through L4 in a transporting orientation which is the orientation shownin FIG. 8 in which orientation indicator OI of lighting device L1 isparallel to vertical two V2 and therefore illuminating. Carrier 25 is inits transporting orientation whenever it is positioning lighting deviceL1 such that its position angle is less than its tilt angle AT orequivalently its orientation indicator OI is within its tilt angle AT orequivalently it is “ON”. Carrier 25 is in its storage orientationwhenever it is positioning lighting device L1 such that it is “OFF”.Similarly lighting devices L2, L3 and L4 are non-illuminating. Thisoccurs when the carrier is oriented with the lighting devices eachhaving their orientation indicator exterior to their respective tiltangle AT.

Thus, multiple flares may be placed in a single carrier 25 which isstored with the flares in an inverted position such that all are on the“OFF” mode. The flares are in a non-illuminating mode while in storagethereby conserving energy and extending the life of the batteries. Whenthe responder removes carrier 25 from the storage location (e.g., trunkof auto) the multiple flares are placed in an upright position, suchthat the flares are all activated and the first responder has no actionsto take. The responder is clearly visible while carrying carrier 25 andresponder then disposes the individual flares at desired locations.Thus, the present invention provides previously unavailable protectionto the first responder.

FIG. 15 is a cross-section of FIG. 14 across line 15-15 and FIG. 16 across-section of FIG. 14 across line 16-16′. Looking at FIGS. 14, 15 and16 carrier 25 comprises carrier top 26 and carrier bottom 27 constructedby stereo lithography of one piece or molded separately as a top andbottom which are subsequently fastened or glued together by conventionalmeans. Carrier 25 can be cast from a variety of resins however if it iscast of a translucent resin it will glow whenever lighting devices L1through L4 are being transported. If it is cast of a transparent resinthe powerful horizontal light emitted from lighting devices L1 throughL4 will create a high intensity beacon during transporting. Thuslighting devices L1 through L4 not only serve to indicate a hazard whendeployed but also serve to protect the first responder during deploymentand retrieval. Carrier 25 includes handle 28 having wings 29 which slidein tracks 30. Handle 28 therefore can move up and down with wings 29 intracks 30 parallel to vertical two V2. Handle 28 moves from extendeddistance DE—usually exceeding one inch to provide adequate space for ahand—when carrier 25 is transporting lighting devices L1, L2, L3 and L4to a storage position with extend distance DE reduced to zero and handle28 in recess 31 permitting carrier 25 to be flat when positioned upsidedown on a horizontal surface.

FIG. 15 shows lighting device L1 in slot one S1 located on the side ofcarrier 25. Lighting device L1 is installed in slot one S1 by pushing itinto the side of carrier 25 in the direction of movement arrow MA. Catch32 is a small mass of plastic molded as an integral part of carrier top25 to hold lighting device L1 in place in carrier 25 once it is pushedinto slot one S1. As lighting device L1 is pushed into slot one S1window 5 of housing 2 bumps into carrier 25 at catch 32. As lightingdevice L1 continues to be pushed into slot one S1 window 5 lifts catch32 so that it can move further into slot one S1. Carrier 25 is designedto permit catch 32 to move upward by comprising a flex location 33 whichmoves upward as catch 32 is lifted by window 5 of housing 2. As window 5moves past catch 32 it snaps back to its unstressed location and secureslighting device L1 within carrier 25. Lighting device L1 can easily beremoved from carrier 25 by pulling it from the side of carrier 25thereby once again lifting and passing catch 32 but this time exitingslot one S1. Carrier 25 therefore has a design which is flexible andwhich permits lighting device L1, to be pushed into slot one S1 to beheld securely until it is pulled from slot one S1. Carrier 25 alsoincludes top cut-out 34 and bottom cut-out 35 at slot one S1. These areincluded to provide a means to grab lighting device L1 when the firstresponder wishes to pull it from its slot. Top cut-out 34 and bottomcut-out 35 are used so that lighting device L1 can be pinched with twofingers to assure a secure grip. Slot one S1 and top cut-out 34additionally provide an unobstructed view of window 5 when viewed fromthe side of carrier 25. This permits a portion of horizontal light beamHB emerging from lighting device L1 to avoid passing through thetransparent plastic of carrier 25 and being attenuated.

Carrier 25 also permits lighting device L1 to include lanyard 22 asshown in FIG. 1 to be added to facilitate its removal from slot one S1of carrier 25.

Also if main switch 6 of lighting device L1 is positioned in slot one S1at top cut-out 34 lighting device L1 can be activated by that switchwhile still in carrier 25. Carrier 25 includes similar slot and catchcontours for each of the four lighting devices being carried.

FIG. 17 shows carrier 25 holding four lights in a storage positionupside down on a horizontal shelf HS. Handle 28 is in storage positionso that carrier 25 lies flat and is not inclined to flip over. Lightingdevices L1 through L4 are installed in slots S1 through S4 respectivelyand oriented upside down similar to FIG. 10 and thereby “OFF”.

FIG. 18 shows storage bracket 36 holding four lights on horizontal shelfHS. Adhesive or fasteners are used to secure storage bracket bottom 38to surface 39 the underside of horizontal shelf HS. Lighting devices L1through L4 are oriented similar to FIG. 10 and thereby “OFF”. They canbe easily removed or added to storage bracket 36 as previously describedin FIGS. 14 and 15. Storage bracket 36 is identical to carrier 25 withhandle 28 removed.

FIG. 19 is a schematic of an alternate circuit configuration which couldbe used in place of the FIG. 6 design. In FIG. 19 power supply 14, lightsource 18, main switch 6, gravity power controller 12 and flasher module37 are all in series. With this circuit configuration lighting device 50will turn “ON-OFF” with main switch 6 if gravity power controller 12 is“closed” as shown. However, even if main switch 6 of lighting device 50is “ON” it can be turned “OFF” if gravity power controller 12 is opencircuited. Thus if main switch 6 is “OFF” then lighting device 50 isalways “OFF”. If main switch 6 is “ON” then it remains “ON” as long asgravity power controller 12 is also “ON” but turns “OFF” if gravitypower controller 12 is “OFF”. If optional disable switch 17 is in theopen circuit position as shown it has no operational effect. If it is“closed” it disables gravity power controller 12. Flasher module 37 is atypical commercial flasher which pulses the light emerging from lightingdevice 50.

FIG. 20 is a schematic of a second alternate circuit which can replacethe FIG. 6 circuit of lighting device 50. The circuit of FIG. 20 willfunction solely based upon its angular orientation and its “ON-OFF” iscontrolled only by gravity power controller 12. This design iseconomical and acceptable for some uses. In addition in eliminating mainswitch 6 it improves the reliability of lighting device 50. It ishowever limited in its use as there are situations in which gravitycontrol is unacceptable.

FIG. 21 is an assembly view of carrier 25 from FIG. 14. It shows carrier25 assembled from molded components and having carrier top 26 attachedto carrier bottom 27 with six self threading screws 40. Handle 28 wings29 upon being spread snap into tracks 30 on carrier bottom 27.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of carrier bottom 27 removed from FIG. 21and showing cavities partially forming slots S1 through S4 the contourof each made to accommodate the shape of the lighting device to be held.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a lighting devicein a compact, rugged housing which has a light source, an electricalcircuit, a source of power and a gravity controller. The device has alow center of gravity. The device is energized when oriented within aselected tilt angle with respect to the vertical. When energized withits orientation indicator vertically positioned, a beam of light isgenerated in a horizontal plane. When placed in a storage orientation,the light source is automatically de-energized and when rotated andremoved from the storage orientation for use, the light source isautomatically energized. A storage bracket for a plurality of lightingdevices permits easy removal of the lighting devices when needed. Adisable switch overrides the gravity controller to provide greaterversatility to the device.

Obviously, many modifications may be made without departing from thebasic spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that within the scope of theappended claims, the invention may be practiced other than has beenspecifically described herein.

1. A road flare comprising: a lighting device having a housing; acircuit attached to said housing including a light source connected to asource of electric power and a gravity power controller; said gravitypower controller regulating an energy applied to said light source forsaid lighting device to emit a light having an intensity upon saidlighting device positioned with an orientation indicator within a tiltangle of said lighting device, said tilt angle about a vertical; saidhousing comprising a base for standing said lighting device on ahorizontal road and thereby positioning said orientation indicatorwithin said tilt angle; and said gravity power controller reducing saidenergy and therefore said intensity upon said lighting device beingpositioned with said orientation indicator exterior to said tilt angle.2. A road flare according to claim 1 which further includes; saidlighting device having a stability ratio exceeding 1.0 and upon standingon said horizontal road having a center of gravity less than two inchesfrom said horizontal road.
 3. A road flare according to claim 1 whichfurther includes; said lighting device having a light condensing lensabout said light source for bringing said light towards a horizontalwith said lighting device standing on said horizontal road.
 4. A roadflare according to claim 1 which further includes; said lighting devicehaving a stability ratio exceeding 1.0 and upon standing on saidhorizontal road having a center of gravity less than two inches fromsaid horizontal road; and said lighting device having a light condensinglens about said light source for bringing said light towards ahorizontal with said lighting device standing on said horizontal road.5. A road flare according to claim 1 which further includes; said tiltangle being approximately 90 degrees.
 6. A road flare according to claim1 which further includes; said gravity power controller reducing saidintensity to substantially zero intensity upon said lighting devicepositioned with said orientation indicator exterior to said tilt angle.7. A road flare according to claim 1 which further includes; said sourceof power comprising cylindrical battery having a longitudinal axisapproximately parallel to said horizontal road when said lighting deviceis standing on said horizontal road.
 8. A road flare according to claim1 which further includes; said circuit further comprising a disableswitch for disabling said gravity power controller.
 9. A road flareaccording to claim 1 which further includes; said circuit furthercomprising a main switch for connecting said light source to said sourceof electric power.
 10. A portable lighting device comprising: a housing;a circuit supported by said housing including a light source connectedto a source of electric power and a gravity power controller; saidgravity power controller regulating an energy applied to said lightsource for said lighting device to emit a light having an intensity uponsaid lighting device positioned with an orientation indicator within atilt angle of said lighting device, said tilt angle about a verticalreference; said gravity power controller reducing said energy andtherefore said intensity upon said lighting device positioned with saidorientation indicator exterior to said tilt angle; and said housinghaving a base and comprising a magnet for attaching said lighting deviceto a metallic surface; whereby said lighting device when attached to ametallic surface of a first angular orientation emits a light of saidintensity and when attached to a metallic surface of a second angularorientation reduces said intensity.
 11. A road flare according to claim10 which further includes: said circuit further comprising a main switchfor connecting said light source to said source of electric power andfor overriding said gravity power controller.
 12. A portable lightingdevice comprising: a housing; a circuit supported by said housingincluding a light source connected to a source of electric power and agravity power controller; said gravity power controller regulating anenergy applied to said light source for said lighting device to emit alight having an intensity upon said lighting device positioned with anorientation indicator within a tilt angle of said lighting device, saidtilt angle about a vertical reference; said gravity power controllerreducing said energy and therefore said intensity upon said lightingdevice being positioned with said orientation indicator exterior to saidtilt angle; and said housing including a lanyard adapter for securing alanyard for holding said lighting device with said orientation indicatorpositioned within said tilt angle.
 13. A portable lighting deviceaccording to claim 12 which further includes: said circuit furthercomprising a main switch for connecting said light source to said sourceof electric power.
 14. A portable lighting system comprising: aplurality of portable lighting devices; each of said plurality ofportable lighting devices including a housing and a circuit attached tosaid housing, said circuit including a light source connected to asource of electric power and a gravity power controller, said gravitypower controller regulating an energy applied to said light source forsaid light source to emit a light having an intensity upon said lightingdevice positioned with an orientation indicator within a tilt angle ofsaid lighting device, said tilt angle about a vertical reference, saidgravity power controller reducing said energy and therefore saidintensity upon said lighting device being positioned with saidorientation indicator exterior to said tilt angle; and a storage bracketfor mounting on a surface and holding said plurality of lighting deviceseach in a storage orientation with each said orientation indicatorpositioned exterior to said tilt angle wherein the lighting device isautomatically energized when the system is removed from a storagelocation and is automatically de-energized when placed in the storagelocation.
 15. A portable lighting device according to claim 14 whichfurther includes: said circuit further comprising a main switch forconnecting said light source to said source of electric power.
 16. Aportable lighting system according to claim 14 which further includes:said storage bracket constructed of a substantially translucent materialfor said light emitted from each of said plurality lighting devicesexterior to emerge from said carrier.
 17. A portable lighting systemaccording to claim 14 which further includes: said storage bracketconstructed of a substantially transparent material for said lightemitted from each of said plurality of lighting devices to pass throughsaid transparent material and emerge from said carrier.
 18. A portablelighting system according to claim 14 which further includes: saidstorage bracket having a slot for holding each of said plurality oflighting devices and for passing light emitted from each of saidlighting devices unattenuated exterior to said storage bracket.
 19. Aportable lighting system according to claim 14 which further includes:said storage bracket having a slot on a side for holding each of saidplurality of lighting devices; each said slot having a cut-out forremoving the lighting device from said slot.
 20. A portable lightingsystem comprising: a plurality of portable lighting devices; each ofsaid plurality of portable lighting devices including a housing and acircuit attached to said housing, said circuit including a light sourceconnected to a source of electric power and a gravity power controller,said gravity power controller regulating an energy applied to said lightsource for said light source to emit a light having an intensity uponsaid lighting device positioned with an orientation indicator within atilt angle of said lighting device, said tilt angle about a verticalreference, said gravity power controller reducing said energy andtherefore said intensity upon said lighting device being positioned withsaid orientation indicator exterior to said tilt angle; and a carrierfor transporting said plurality of lighting devices and having atransporting orientation wherein each said orientation indicator iswithin said respective tilt angle and said plurality of lighting devicesare illuminated simultaneously, said carrier additionally having astorage orientation for storing said plurality of lighting devices witheach said orientation indicator exterior to said respective tilt angle.21. A portable lighting system according to claim 20 which furtherincludes; said circuit for each of said lighting devices furthercomprising a main switch for connecting said light source to said sourceof electric power.
 22. A portable lighting system according to claim 20which further includes: said carrier constructed of a substantiallytranslucent material for said light emitted from each of said pluralitylighting devices exterior to emerge from said carrier.
 23. A portablelighting system according to claim 20 which further includes: saidcarrier constructed of a substantially transparent material for saidlight emitted from each of said plurality of lighting devices to passthrough said transparent material and emerge from said carrier.
 24. Aportable lighting system according to claim 20 which further includes:said carrier having a slot for holding each of said plurality oflighting devices and for passing light emitted from each of saidlighting devices unattenuated exterior to said carrier with said carrierat said transporting orientation.
 25. A portable lighting systemaccording to claim 20 which further includes: said carrier having a sloton the side of said carrier for holding each of said plurality oflighting devices.
 26. A portable lighting device comprising: a base, acover which communicates with the base thereby forming a housing; atransparent window on the cover; a light source mounted in the coveradjacent to the window; an electric circuit fastened to said cover; saidcover for receipt of a battery to energize said light source; a gravitypower controller mounted in said cover and electrically connected tosaid battery, said gravity power controller regulating an energy appliedto said light source for said light source to emit a light of a desiredintensity, said light being emitted when said device is positionedwithin a selected tilt angle with respect to a vertical, said lightpassing through an optic disposed around said light source and throughsaid window; and the light being emitted as light rays forming a lightbeam horizontal with respect to said vertical.